In order to be granted commission as notary public, applicants are required to complete a Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check and be fingerprinted via Live Scan within one year of the exam date. If you live in the Los Angeles area, Live Scan LA provides convenient Live Scan services.

4. Application

Submit an application and required fees with the Notary Commission. State filing fees are about $40 for new and renewal commissions. A bond of $15,000 is also required. The fee will be required prior to the commission accepting your application. The application will ask for information including your name, address, contact details, age, location where you expect to do business, and any prior notary commissions you’ve worked with.

5. Oath

After the notary commission has accepted the fee, and the appropriate forms have been filed, the next step is to take an Oath of Office. The oath and bond must be filed with the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to do business within 30 calendar days from the commencement date of the commission and may not be extended. This oath may or may not be incorporated into the filing or application process. The oath is a must and, if it is not filed, you will not be cleared to be a registered notary public. If you perform any form of notary public service without taking the oath, you could face legal consequences.

6. Notary Bond

It takes about 4-6 weeks to get your state-issued commission certificate. Once you receive it, forward a copy to the National Notary Association (NNA). You will be issued an activated notary bond. Then file your Notary Bond and Oath of Office with the county clerk.

7. Notary Supply Package

Put together a notary supply package. This should include a journal of notarial acts which is required by law, a thumb printer package, fee schedules, acknowledgment certificates, E&O policies, and other useful tools. You must have an embosser or inked stamp that has an inked impression and is reproducible on a photocopier.

8. Education

It is recommended to take specialized classes to become an expert on how to complete specific notarial tasks. The classes will depend on the types of service you plan to perform. This is not a requirement but a good investment since it will give you more versatility in your field and help increase your income.

9. Commission Term

Don’t forget to renew your commission at the end of each term which is four years.

10. Drum Up Business

Now that you are all set to start as a notary, you will need to drum up business and find customers. One of the first steps to take is to register with several of the many online notary databases around.

Please register with us, All States Notary, Inc., by filling out our notary public online sign up form. You will be considered for assignments in your area.